The Product Owner’s Engagement with the Developers
In Scrum, the Product Owner plays a crucial role in maximizing the value of the product by managing and ordering the Product Backlog. The level of interaction between the Product Owner and the Developers is key to ensuring that the team is aligned on the product goals and that the Increment being built meets the intended value.
Exam Question
How much time must a Product Owner spend with the Developers?
(choose the best answer)
A. 100%.
B. 40%, or more if the stakeholders agree.
C. As much as the Developers tell the Product Owner to be present.
D. Enough so that the Product Owner is confident the Increment will meet the intended value.
Correct Answer
D. Enough so that the Product Owner is confident the Increment will meet the intended value.
Explanation
Correct Answer
D. Enough so that the Product Owner is confident the Increment will meet the intended value:
The Product Owner must spend sufficient time with the Developers to ensure that the product being developed aligns with the desired value and goals. This doesn’t necessarily mean a fixed percentage of time; instead, the focus is on ensuring effective communication, collaboration, and understanding between the Product Owner and the Developers. The Product Owner needs to be available to clarify any doubts, provide feedback, and make decisions that will guide the team toward delivering valuable increments.
Why the Other Options Are Less Appropriate
A. 100%:
It is not necessary for the Product Owner to be with the Developers all the time. The Product Owner has other responsibilities, such as stakeholder management and refining the Product Backlog, which require their attention as well.
B. 40%, or more if the stakeholders agree:
The time spent by the Product Owner with the Developers is not something that can be strictly quantified or determined by stakeholder agreement. The key is that the Product Owner is available as needed to ensure that the Developers are working on the right priorities and that the product being built meets the required value.
C. As much as the Developers tell the Product Owner to be present:
While the Developers may need the Product Owner’s input, the relationship is collaborative. The Product Owner’s availability should be driven by what is necessary to ensure the product’s value rather than just following the Developers’ directives.
Relevance to the PSD Exam
Understanding the appropriate level of engagement between the Product Owner and the Developers is important for the PSD exam. This reflects the balance between ensuring product value and allowing the Developers the autonomy to work effectively.
Key Takeaways
- The Product Owner should spend enough time with the Developers to ensure the Increment aligns with the intended value.
- The interaction is not about a fixed percentage of time but about being available to provide the necessary guidance and decisions.
- The focus is on value delivery, with the Product Owner ensuring that the team is building the right product.
Conclusion
The amount of time the Product Owner spends with the Developers should be sufficient to ensure that the Increment meets the intended value. This ensures that the team is aligned and that the product being developed delivers the maximum value to the stakeholders. For more information on preparing for the PSD exam, visit our Professional Scrum Developer PSD™ Exam Prep.
